Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley: My family couldn’t keep my Force Awakens role a secret

Actress Daisy Ridley has admitted that her family struggled to keep her Star Wars role a secret.

The 23-year-old decided to only tell her mum and her sisters when she bagged the part of Rey in The Force Awakens, but they couldn’t help telling other people.

In a new interview with Elle magazine, Ridley said: “I couldn't tell any of my friends.

"I told my mum and my sisters— then my sister told her boyfriend, and my mum told her friend. I was like, 'Great, guys—you are great.’”

Before filming began, the actress was put on a strict training regime, which she has maintained ever since.

She said: “It became my solace. Because it's the only thing structured in my life right now.

“Training is sort of a therapy session, I guess.”

Discussing her character, who has been described as the only female Star Wars protagonist, Ridley said:

“[Rey is] so strong. She's cool and smart and she can look after herself. Young girls can look at her and know that they can wear trousers if they want to.

“That they don't have to show off their bodies."

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will open in cinemas on December 18.